Derek Thiessen

 

Derek Thiessen Derek’s therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that every person has the innate potential to lead a gratifying existence in harmony with their true values and deepest yearnings. As a therapist, he endevours to cultivate a bond of trust and safety with his clients, encouraging them to strive for these values and embrace growth even amid discomfort. By providing attuned and empathic responses, Derek helps clients explore and process their difficult emotions and validates their experiences. He also encourages clients to access and express their positive emotions, such as joy, gratitude, and love.

To create a customized approach that meets the unique needs of each client, Derek incorporates a blend of therapeutic modalities that aim to foster to connection, balance, self-compassion, flexibility, growth, learning, meaning, and insight. He places a strong emphasis on a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the impact that past experiences can have on one's mental health. For those curious souls out there, his approach draws primarily from Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). His therapeutic experience extends across different age groups, and he has supported clients grappling with diverse concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, addiction, identity formation, life transitions, trauma, and mental performance psychology.

As a Canadian Clinical Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), Derek brings to the table his wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, having earned his master's degree in counselling psychology from TWU.

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